Fulham have officially announced Aleksander Mitrovic’s departure from the Premier League on a club-record transfer fee of €50m. Following a 3-0 defeat against Brentford on matchday 2nd, the Club declared the news to the fans as the Serbian became the latest name to join the exodus to the Saudi Pro League.
The Cottagers are now on the lookout for a new number 9 in the summer transfer market to replace their marquee star striker.
Fulham and Mitrovic parted ways after sharing highs and lows for five long seasons. The 28-year-old Serbian played an instrumental role at the club since joining the Cottagers in 2018 and netted 111 goals in 206 appearances, securing a spot on their all-time top scorer’s list during his tenure.
Aleksander Mitrovic is a perfect poacher with phenomenal aerial ability, aggression, physicality, movement in the box, positioning, and helping in the build-up play, a hard-to-replace forward will be missed at the Craven cottage. He also guided them to secure promotion to top-flight football on three different occasions, the club’s most recent promotion came in the 2021-22 season with Mitrovic achieving a remarkable record of a 43-goal tally in a single Championship season.
Marco Silva and the club only have a few days to react before the transfer market deadline of 1st September, as the Premier League 2023-24 season have kicked off and Fulham goes into the season without any substitute for the 28-year-old Serbian. Despite having the likes of Raul Jimenez, and Carlos Vinicius, alongside the latest addition of Adama Traore in the squad the cottagers are exploring the market in search of a potential replacement for Mitrovic.
The Portuguese gaffer has highlighted the importance of adding an out-and-out poacher to the squad. Meanwhile, Fulham faced their local rivals Arsenal and shared spoils in a 2-2 thrilling encounter at the Emirates Stadium.
Top Potential Replacements
As the Summer transfer window nears its close, Fulham is keen on adding some young and experienced prospects to the team. So, Let’s look at some of the top potential replacements for Mitrovic that Fulham can target in these final days of the transfer window.
Folarin Balogun
22-year-old American international who considering an exit from Arsenal, Fulham are interested in acquiring the services of Balogun and are ready to propose a €35m offer plus add-ons.
Last season, the New York-born forward was loaned out to Ligue 1 side Stade Reims, where he bagged 23 goals for the French side and established himself as a complete forward with clinical finishing, quick sprint, calm, and composed on the ball, a proper forward.
The Cottagers are determined to bring the American to the Craven cottage, although Arsenal are reluctant to lower the price tag of €50m. The young Arsenal academy graduate has caught the attention of other French and English clubs; Monaco, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspurs.
Hugo Ekitike
The 21-year-old French international is an explosive forward who might be the best fit for Silva’s side to take the spot of Mitrovic in terms of finishing and physical threat. Ekitike can prove to be a good long-term investment. The forward has struggled at star-studded PSG with a lack of game time with only 12 starts under his belt. PSG open to the idea of selling the young Frenchman this summer for £34m.
Reportedly, Fulham are not alone in the race to obtain the services of Ekitike, they have to compete with West Ham and Everton to secure his signature.
Duvan Zapata
After the transfer of the Colombian international to Roma has collapsed, Fulham are looking to approach the Atlanta forward Duvan Zapata as the striker can dwell well into Marco Silva’s plans at Craven Cottage
The Colombian has been a key figure in attack for the Bergamo-based club his ability in the air, Aggression, passing, physicality and dribbling make him an attacking threat. His profile is quite similar to Mitrovic’s.
The 31-year-old is already a proven and experienced name in Italian football, in his past 10 seasons, he has been with Napoli, Udinese, Sampdoria, and Atalanta acquiring 108 goals tally in over 283 appearances in Italy’s premier division. Thus, a Move to Craven Cottage is likely for the Colombian.
Moise Kean
Another Serie A option is Juventus striker, Moise Kean, the Italian is a surplus in Juventus and could make a return to the English Premier League. Kean is seen as a potential replacement for Mitrovic at the West London club.
Juventus looking to offload the Italian as he is not a part of Allegri’s plan, Dusan Vlahovic remains their preferred choice over Moise Kean. Reports have emerged that both the clubs have had talks over a move for the forward, the 23-year-old is quick, clinical in finishing, good with aerial balls and strong physicality are some qualities that the Cottagers are looking for in a forward.
Raúl Alonso Jiménez’s new role at the Club
The Mexican international joined the Cottagers as a backup for Aleksander Mitrovic from Wolves on a two-year deal. Now that the Serbian star striker exited the club. What will be the new responsibility of Jimenez under Marco Silva?
Raul Jiminez has the responsibility to fill big boots, the striker started his third consecutive game for the Cottagers against the Gunners but overall had a quiet day on the pitch.
As the new season is progressing, the Mexican number 7 is required to play a pivotal role in Marco Silva’s lineup as the main center forward until they sign a new forward replacement.
Since the severe head injury he experienced in November 2020, his form declined and things have not been the same for the Ex-Wolves striker. Regardless, the forward should not be judged based on limited opportunities with his new club even as the season has just begun.
With Raúl Jiménez, there is a certain lack of confidence there following that injury and how he has tried to come through. A change in environment complemented by the man management of Marco Silva could exactly be what he needs. There is a potent striker in there, we have all seen that and we have also seen how injuries have played massive role in confidence of the best of players but Fulham fans should give him a chance. And Wolves were the lowest scoring side last season – i think with chances, goals will come and with goals… confidence.